Vogue’s Seventy Three Questions

Hello lovelies!

I’m really happy to be sharing a casual and chatty post with you all today- this strays a little from my usual content but I like to branch out! If you haven’t heard of Vogue’s seventy three questions, this is a creative concept where celebrities are asked various lifestyle questions and have to answer rapid fire in ten minutes or under. Get ready to be entertained. Also, spoiler alert, I don’t know if I’ll keep to the time limit.

I’d also like to mention that my wonderful blogging friend Xandria posted her version of Seventy Three Questions a few weeks back, which is where my initial inspiration came from. I so enjoyed reading her answers and learning tidbits about her life and I think you would too.

 

 

 

On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about life right now?

I’d say about a six- at this point I’m fairly optimistic. While I haven’t felt the most balanced lately, I know I am just shifting from one phase of being and feeling to another. Emotions are non linear and certainly aren’t stagnant!

 

Describe yourself in a hashtag?

#freespirited

 

If you could do a love scene with anyone, who would it be?

No better person than my boyfriend! Perks of not being single, haha.

 

If your life was a musical, what would the marquee say?

“Oh, the twists and turns. A person with as many layers as myself is not entirely unlike an onion. Good luck getting to the core of things!”

 

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I’m an avid horror movie fan. I don’t enjoy particularly gory or B grade films however. Another favourite of mine is true crime documentaries. I lap all of that up. The psychology and mystery elements really intrigue me.

 

What’s your wakeup ritual?

I enjoy a good lie in more often than I should, I’ll admit! Once getting up, I like to make my bed, open the blinds to let light in, grab a glass of iced coffee and then head for the shower.

 

What’s your bedtime ritual?

Head to bed at an ungodly hour- yesterday it was three am. Needless to say, I am tired today! Before bed I like to shower again, take fifteen minutes to journal and reflect on my day, then grab some dessert and watch an episode of Breaking Bad with my mum.

I’ll also do a quick skincare routine- lavender essential oil on my wrists and then moisturiser and tea tree oil for my face. This helps my skin stay hydrated and aids in clearing breakouts!

 

What’s your favorite time of day?

I enjoy the peace that comes with the evening. It starts to feel like the world is settling down and retreating once more and I am free to relax and just be without expectation.

 

What is one thing no one knows about you?

When I was fourteen I wrote a 20,000 word novella in response to The Hate U Give, a black lives matter novel. My book was essentially a bildungsroman or coming of age story about growing up and becoming increasingly aware of your societal standing as a person from an African American ethnic background. It was about a deeply flawed, partial healthcare system that favours one race over another. It was about privilege, ease of existence and having the strength to lift yourself up when your circumstances threaten to drag you all the way down.

 

Dream country to visit?

America- specifically Seattle, Washington as there’s someone special I hope to meet.

 

What’s the biggest surprise you’ve had?

Finding out I was going to be a sister. That beats it all really!

 

Heels or flats/sneakers?

While I do love a nice heel for dressier outfits I most often reach for my white sneakers.

 

Vintage or new?

Depends what it is. Heirloom and vintage jewellery I love- the idea of owning an item that has such a rich and full history behind it is appealing.

 

Who do you want to write your obituary?

I like the idea of everyone who knows me contributing to my obituary as each person would have experienced and seen me in a different light. I feel it would be the only way to paint a full bodied picture of the person I was and the ways in which I touched others lives.

 

Style icon?

I have a few, some of who are:

itsliddystyle

lisadanielle_ 

haleyivers

on Instagram!

 

What are three things you can’t live without?

A comfortable living space, my loved ones and good food.

 

What’s one ingredient you put in everything?

Salt! Very few things I eat are seasoned to my tastes so I always add salt for extra flavour. At this rate I might have to start bringing a shaker around with me!

 

What 3 people living or dead would you like to make dinner for?

Poets Noor Unnahar and Tyler Knott Gregson. Civil rights advocate Martin Luther King.

 

What’s your biggest fear in life?

Not making anything of myself as time passes or achieving my dreams. Finding myself in a situation I cannot influence or having made an irreversible mistake.

 

Window or aisle seat?

Window seat for sure. I can’t get past the breathtaking views of towns and cities below. It has a way of making everything, particularly your problems, seem insignificant and small. You feel untouchable.

 

What’s your current TV obsession?

Breaking Bad and Dexter.

 

Favorite app?

I don’t think I can choose- I enjoy Instagram, Pinterest and Skype equally!

 

Secret talent?

I have been known to have somewhat psychic abilities. Let’s just say there’s a couple of interesting stories backing my claim, many of them much more than mere coincidence!

 

Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?

Travelled to England alone back in 2016 when I was thirteen. It was truly memorable and I know I learnt a lot in terms of responsibility and handling myself. It was a great big adventure and an opportunity I’m so glad was offered to me. I got to meet beautiful family whom I hadn’t seen previously and spent quality time with them.

 

How would you define yourself in three words?

Vibrant, soulful and passionate.

 

Favorite piece of clothing you own?

My diamond and pearl encrusted denim jacket from Branche.

 

Must have clothing item everyone should have?

A high quality, neutral coloured winter coat like this one from Kookai. A recent investment piece!

 

Superpower you would want?

Either the ability to time travel or the capacity to be in two places at once.

 

What’s inspiring you in life right now?

Knowing that when I put my mind to something and am adamant at finding a way to succeed, I often make it happen.

 

Best piece of advice you’ve received?

You gain true mastery of yourself once you learn to acknowledge your feelings and emotions as passengers on your journey, but disallow them from being the driver of your life.

 

Best advice you’d give your teenage self?

It is safe to have expectations of others. Do not allow yourself to accept ill treatment or lower your standards to match the actions of those who have hurt you.

 

A book that everyone should read?

The Little Prince or Le Petit Prince by French Aristocrat, writer and aviator Antoine De Saint Exupery. I have such fond memories connected to this book and its film. They make me feel something special; real. With its timeless lessons on seeing through to the heart of what others really are, to caring for the environment, to busying oneself with only what truly matters, the Little Prince is a real gem. It helped me fall in love with being alive. Relationships are what make life worth living. It is the time you give to something or someone that makes it precious. The important things in life cannot be seen with our eyes but felt within our hearts. When all else fails, look up at the stars and be guided.

 

What would you like to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for being non conventional and unafraid to stray from normalcy, from the path we are accustomed to taking. I want to be remembered as someone who questions what others assume to be true and immediately take on board. I want to be fiercely brave and kind as can be. I just want to be as much myself as I can possibly be.

 

How do you define beauty?

Beauty is in the ways we give back to the world. The ways in which we complete each other and promote healing, compassion and joy. Beauty is in the moments we linger in another’s mind and heart as they reflect on the ways we’ve shaped their lives. Beauty is in the demonstration of sincerity, integrity and the act of being just. Beauty is in the soul, in the smiles we exchanges. It is how we show others there is love to be found in a struggling world.

 

What do you love most about your body?

My body, my home. Its constant self regulation and miraculous functioning never ceases to amaze me. It carries me from one adventure to another, becoming anew in every moment.

 

Best way to take a rest/decompress?

When in need of a rest or time to myself, I enjoy a warm bath, candles, using an essential oil roller, chocolate covered strawberries and indie music. A recipe for the perfect self care evening.

 

Favorite place to view art?

Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art! I remember going to an exhibition years back that had the dreamiest and most immersing audio visual display. You just got lost in the mood, the feeling of it all.

 

If your life were a song, what would the title be?

“I wasn’t expecting that”

 

If you could master one instrument, what would it be?

I would actually like to master the art of singing. A sweet, pure voice is heaven. There is something about it that is so powerful and so moving.

 

If you had a tattoo, where would it be?

If I had a tattoo it would be something small and minimalistic- think flowers, leaves, branches. I’d probably get it done on my lower neck.

 

Dolphins or koalas?

I’m definitely an Aussie at heart- Koalas are so sweet. I remember a time a couple of years back when my family and I road tripped to Melbourne to see my cousins. We’d just finished breakfast one morning when I looked out the window and saw a Koala sitting on the fence. Up until that moment, I’d only seen them at the Zoo.

 

What’s your spirit animal?

Dog! Man’s best friend. Not bad at all. They couldn’t be more loyal.

 

Best gift you’ve ever received?

An expenses paid trip overseas to England.

 

Best gift you’ve ever given?

A complete T2 tea set I gave my grandma when I was younger. She’s kept it on prominent display ever since.

 

What’s your favorite board game?

Good old Monopoly! Scrabble is fun too. I like the classics.

 

What’s your favorite color?

Dusky pink or mustard.

 

Least favorite color?

Maroon.

 

Diamonds or pearls?

I like both equally- It depends on my outfit.

 

Drugstore makeup or designer?

I prefer designer makeup the likes of Benefit cosmetics and Glossier.  Considering makeup and skincare products end up soaking into your skin, you want to be sure they are free from nasties and pollutants. I rest easier knowing what I use is clean and the brands aren’t cutting corners. Another point I’d like to mention is one that Xandria touched on in her post- accessibility matters too. Cheap, drugstore makeup brands aren’t always the most inclusive. For people of colour, it can be difficult to find makeup for their skin tone. This limits options greatly and isn’t fair at all!

 

Blow-dry or air-dry?

I like to air dry my hair as this is how I achieve the perfect natural curl-or at least wave!

 

Pilates or yoga?

Yoga all the way! A few years back I would do regular evening sessions following Yoga By Adriene workouts. Mentally and physically I felt in good shape. I was certainly disciplined and focused on success.

 

Coffee or tea?

I’ve been nursing a coffee addiction for a good year and a half now and still going strong.

 

What’s the weirdest word in the English language?

Gobbledegook.

 

Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?

Milk chocolate, although I used to prefer dark.

 

Stairs or elevator?

Elevator. I do enough exercise.

 

Summer or winter?

Summer for sure. Anybody who encountered me whilst I was in England can vouch for how much I complained about the weather. The cold is not for me!

 

You are stuck on an island and can pick one food to eat forever without getting tired of it. What would you choose?

Turkish Beef and Cheese Gozleme. I go through what could be called food phases where I can eat the same food over and over again for at least a few months- contrary to how it sounds, I enjoy it!

 

A desert you don’t like?

I’ve never enjoyed Creme Brulee, despite it being considered a gourmet dessert.

 

A skill you’re working on mastering?

I’m actually intent on learning Spanish as this is my partners native language. He speaks perfect English but I think it would be nice to be able to switch between the two. Similarly, he is trying to learn Urdu and Maltese. Funny part is that I can’t speak or understand either. Perhaps he’ll have to teach me!

 

Best thing to happen to you today?

Once again, I have three highlights. I began watching a very thoughtful movie- Berlin Syndrome on Netflix. It’s an Australian/French psychological thriller about a foreigner who fixates on an Australian tourist. It’s certainly nonconventional. After a date night of sorts, they couple find their way to his apartment and she never leaves.

 

Other than that, today is an anniversary date for my partner and I! We like to celebrate yearly and half yearly anniversaries. Last thing is that I finally heard back from a skincare brand I’d reached out to for a collaboration. I’d been on edge for a week waiting for a reply so was absolutely brimming with joy when they accepted.

 

Worst thing to happen to you today?

I have no complaints. Today has been a good day, one that I am especially grateful for.

 

Best compliment you’ve ever received?

There’s a few that stood out to me. It would be difficult to narrow it down to just the one. That I speak with grace and eloquence, have a beautiful smile and laughing eyes, that I am resilient beyond measure and that I serve as a role model and someone to look up to.

 

Favorite smell?

French Vanilla or Lavender.

 

Hugs or kisses?

Hugs are more intimate.

 

If you made a documentary, what would it be about?

It would be about all the things we don’t talk about in society but desperately need to. I would interview outcasts, people shunned by their communities and the world in order to gain insider information on the reasons and thought process behind their actions. Reviewing cold cases would be interesting also.

 

Last piece of content you consumed that made you cry?

I saw an Instagram post about baby loss. In all its forms, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth or sickness, it is heartbreaking. Before I experienced this specific loss, I made it my mission to seek to understand the stories of others, even and especially those who I may not usually pay attention to or think relevant to me. After all, that is the way of life. You don’t know what position you’ll be speaking from- in my case it became one of experience. I had developed a whole new sense of empathy as this was now my grief too. To quote velveteen rabbit, because this is the simplest and kindest way to sum things up- “Once you are real, you can’t become unreal again. It lasts for always.”

 

Lipstick or lip gloss?

Lipstick in a neutral shade for sure. I never liked the stickiness of lip gloss!

 

Sweet or savory?

Savoury all the way.

 

Girl crush?

Alexis Ren– absolute Goddess!

 

How you know you’re in love?

You know you’re truly in love when it is easy, effortless. There should always be flow- a natural give and take. You know you’re in love when the person you’re with can make the most mundane moments of your day into highlights. You know you’re in love when you are comfortable being vulnerable with another person. You know you’re in love when the two of you are so intertwined, so interconnected, that you don’t know where they start and you finish. You know you’re in love when you take somebody as they are and love them graciously whilst encouraging them to be their best self in each and every way. You know you are capable of loving another once you begin to love yourself.

 

Song you can listen to on repeat?

Catch and release by Matt Simons.

 

If you could switch lives with someone for a day who would it be?

Kate Spiers– she has the dreamiest interior decorating style!

 

What are you most excited about at this time in your life?

Just seeing how much I can create and how far I can go with the time, resources and abilities I currently possess. I’m excited to grow my brand portfolio and potentially start paid collaborations with various brands.

 

Your go to for having a good laugh?

I’m lucky enough to have family who share the same sense of humour as me which is always fun. They are a good (never ending!) source of laughs!

My go to however are the comedy shows performed by Gabriel Iglesias. Absolute riot!

 

Your affirmation for today?

I am the architect of my life; I build its foundations and choose its contents.